ThinkFreight

ThinkFreight

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ThinkFreight episodes

  • Episode 51: From Med School To Building Freight Tech With Annalise Sandhu, Chaine

    In this episode of the ThinkFreight Podcast, we have an inspiring conversation with Annalise Sandhu, Co-Founder of Chaine, an AI-powered freight booking and visibility platform. 

    Annalise shares her incredible journey from aspiring to become a doctor to diving headfirst into the world of freight and technology. Initially set on attending medical school, her life took a dramatic turn when she decided to assist her husband, Param, with his trucking business and subsequent tech startup.

    Annalise recounts how she was struck by the industry's manual processes and was inspired by the rise of digital brokerages. This sparked her desire to bring advanced technology and visibility solutions to everyone in the freight sector. 

    Her entrepreneurial spirit shines through as she discusses the challenges and rewards of running her own company, and what led her and Param to establish Chaine.

    We dove into the founding story of Chaine, exploring the motivations behind its creation, the target audience, and the intriguing origin of its name. 

    Annalise provides insights into what sets Chaine apart in the competitive landscape of freight technology and shares her optimism for the future of the industry. 

    This episode is packed with valuable lessons on innovation, resilience, and the power of technology in transforming the freight sector.

    Key Highlights:

    • Annalise's Journey: From aspiring doctor to tech entrepreneur, Annalise Sandhu's unexpected path to co-founding Chaine.
    • Industry Insights: The shift from manual processes to digital brokerages in the freight industry and Annalise's vision for accessible technology.
    • Entrepreneurial Spirit: Challenges and rewards of running a tech startup in the freight sector.
    • Chaine's Founding Story: The motivations behind Chaine's creation, its target audience, and the origin of its name.
    • Future Prospects: What sets Chaine apart and Annalise's bullish outlook for the industry in the coming year.

    Tune in to this episode for an engaging and insightful discussion with one of the freight industry's rising stars!

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    📍Massive thanks to our sponsor:

    ⚫️ Salesdash CRM is built specifically for freight brokers & 3PLs. Organize your sales outreach, notes, follow-ups, and lane profiles for your shippers and carriers. All for an affordable price. Try Salesdash free for 14 days with no credit card required.

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    🌎 Find Annalise Sandhu and Chaine App online:

    Annalise Sandhu LinkedIn

    Chaine LinkedIn
    Chaine Website

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    🔗 Our Social Links:

    Newsletter
    LinkedIn
    Twitter/X
    Instagram
    YouTube

    37 min
  • Episode 50: Being A Freight Agent Advocate With Ryan Smith, Purple Squirrel

    In this episode of The ThinkFreight Podcast, we chat with Ryan Smith, the founder of Purple Squirrel LLC. Ryan has a deep background in freight, coming from Landstar, and has become a strong advocate for freight agents.

    We dive into the world of freight agents, exploring what it means to be one and what it takes to succeed. Ryan shares insights on typical commission structures and offers advice for those considering a career as an agent.

    We also talk about Ryan’s new company, Purple Squirrel, which aims to match freight agents with the best opportunities. We learn about how Purple Squirrel came to be, the name behind it, and how they help agents find the right fit to boost retention rates. Plus, we get Ryan's take on what’s to come in 2024.

    💡Here's a quick recap:

    • Ryan Smith's journey from Landstar to freight agent advocate
    • The ins and outs of being a freight agent
    • Understanding commission splits and the agent business model
    • The story behind Purple Squirrel and its mission

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    📍Massive thanks to our sponsor:

    ⚫️ Salesdash CRM is built specifically for freight brokers & 3PLs. Organize your sales outreach, notes, follow-ups, and lane profiles for your shippers and carriers. All for an affordable price. Try Salesdash free for 14 days with no credit card required.

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    🌎 Find Ryan Smith and Purple Squirrel online:

    Ryan Smith LinkedIn

    Purple Squirrel LinkedIn

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    🔗 Our Social Links:

    Newsletter
    LinkedIn
    Twitter/X
    Instagram
    YouTube

    42 min
  • Episode 49: Booking Freight Like Booking a Flight with Justin Lu

    In this exciting episode of the ThinkFreight Podcast, we reconnect with Justin Lu, the founder of Truckpedia, formerly known as EzPapel. If you missed our initial conversation in Episode #3, make sure to catch up on Justin’s incredible journey of scaling his father’s trucking company from $1M to $20M in just three years. 

    This time around, we dive into the fascinating changes at Truckpedia and explore the strategic rebranding that propelled the company to new heights.

    Our discussion kicks off with the rationale behind Truckpedia’s recent branding transformation. Justin shares insightful perspectives on what drove these changes and how they align with the company’s mission to simplify and enhance the trucking industry. 

    We also explore the competitive landscape for trucking companies, offering valuable strategies and prospecting ideas to help them compete effectively with larger carrier groups.

    Justin passionately articulates his goals for Truckpedia, emphasizing the need for a streamlined booking process in the trucking sector. Drawing parallels with the airline industry, he envisions a future where booking a truck is as effortless as booking a flight.

    Truckpedia’s innovative platform allows trucking companies to instantly share their capacity and rates, revolutionizing how freight is booked.

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    📍Massive thanks to our sponsor:

    ⚫️ Salesdash CRM is built specifically for freight brokers & 3PLs. Organize your sales outreach, notes, follow-ups, and lane profiles for your shippers and carriers. All for an affordable price. Try Salesdash free for 14 days with no credit card required.

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    🌎 Find Justin Lu and Truckpedia online:

    Justin Lu LinkedIn

    Truckpedia LinkedIn
    Truckpedia Website

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    🔗 Our Social Links:
    Newsletter
    LinkedIn
    Twitter/X
    Instagram
    YouTube

    52 min
  • Episode 48: The Explosion of Cargo Theft and How It’s Being Tackled with Danny Ramon, Overhaul

    This episode of the ThinkFreight Podcast tackles the critical issue of freight theft with Danny Ramon, Director of Intelligence and Law Enforcement Connect at Overhaul. Join us as we explore Danny's background and his journey into the fast-paced world of chasing stolen freight and criminals alongside Overhaul.

    We examine the inner workings of Overhaul's intelligence unit and how Danny collaborates with law enforcement agencies to combat a rising tide of cargo theft and fraud. 

    The discussion sheds light on the different types of theft plaguing the industry – from brazen hijackings to opportunistic pilfering – and how the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this crime wave.

    Here are 5 key takeaways you won't want to miss:

    1. Understanding the three major types of cargo theft and their impact.
    2. The alarming rise of cargo theft post-pandemic and its effect on consumers.
    3. How disruptive events like holidays and major sporting events influence theft patterns.
    4. Danny Ramon's insights into effective communication with law enforcement.
    5. A glimpse into promising developments for combating cargo theft in the rest of 2024.

    Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that exposes the realities of cargo theft and the ongoing efforts to secure our supply chains.

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    📍Massive thanks to our sponsors

    ⚫️ Salesdash CRM is built specifically for freight brokers & 3PLs. Organize your sales outreach, notes, follow-ups, and lane profiles for your shippers and carriers. All for an affordable price. Try Salesdash free for 14 days with no credit card required.

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    🌎 Find Overhaul and Danny Ramon online:

    Overhaul's Website
    Overhaul's LinkedIn

    Danny Ramon LinkedIn

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    🔗 Our Social Links:
    Newsletter
    LinkedIn
    Twitter/X
    Instagram
    YouTube

    51 min
  • Episode 47: Replacing Guesstimates With Real-Time Freight Pricing Data With Andrew Cohen, Farelanes

    This episode of The ThinkFreight Podcast dives deep into the world of real-time lane pricing with Andrew Cohen, the CTO and Co-Founder of Farelanes. Andrew brings a wealth of experience, having started his career in the airline industry before moving into the loadboard and factoring space. Throughout his journey, he witnessed a persistent challenge: the lack of trust between carriers and brokers.

    Our conversation explores Andrew's entrepreneurial spirit, the inspiration behind Farelanes, and the company's mission to revolutionize pricing transparency through real-time data. We dive into Andrew's thoughts on Artificial Intelligence within the logistics industry and what excites him most for the rest of 2024.

    Here are 5 key highlights you won't want to miss:

    • Andrew's rich background: Learn about Andrew's impressive career path, from airline pricing and modeling to the loadboard and factoring space, where he identified the critical issue of trust in freight transactions.

    • The birth of Farelanes: Discover Andrew's "ah-ha" moment that led to the creation of Farelanes, and the company's mission to bring transparency to freight pricing.

    • Real-time data revolution: We discuss how Farelanes leverages real-time data to provide accurate and consistent information for shippers, brokers, 3PLs, and owner-operators.

    • The power of AI in freight: Explore Andrew's perspective on the role of Artificial Intelligence in the future of logistics and what excites him most about the industry in 2024.

    Tune in to The ThinkFreight Podcast and gain insights into how Farelanes is building trust and efficiency in the freight industry through groundbreaking data solutions!

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    📍Massive thanks to our sponsors

    ⚫️ Salesdash CRM is built specifically for freight brokers & 3PLs. Organize your sales outreach, notes, follow-ups, and lane profiles for your shippers and carriers. All for an affordable price. Try Salesdash free for 14 days with no credit card required.

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    🌎 Find Farelanes and Andrew Cohen online:

    Andrew Cohen LinkedIn
    Farelanes LinkedIn
    Farelanes Website

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    🔗 Our Social Links:
    Newsletter
    LinkedIn
    Twitter/X
    Instagram
    YouTube

    48 min
  • Episode 46: Reefer LTL Pricing and Booking Platform With Clay Curran, FreshX

    This episode of the ThinkFreight Podcast dives into the world of refrigerated LTL (less-than-truckload) with Clay Curran, CEO and Co-Founder of FreshX. 

    FreshX is tackling the massive $10+ billion reefer LTL market by creating a groundbreaking platform – a game changer for both brokers and shippers.

    Our conversation with Clay goes deep into his intriguing journey from a finance background to the complex world of supply chain and logistics. 

    Clay shares his experiences and challenges as he transitioned into the brokerage sector, specifically focusing on the unique demands of the Reefer LTL market. We also explore his participation in the Techstars 2023 program, discussing how it shaped FreshX and its growth trajectory.

    Clay opens up about his entrepreneurial spirit, shedding light on whether he always envisioned himself in this innovative role. 

    He recounts some amusing and insightful anecdotes from FreshX's early days, including the hiccups and learning moments from their very first shipment as a reefer LTL brokerage.

    The conversation then shifts to a detailed look at what FreshX is currently building. Clay explains the platform's purpose, the challenges they've overcome, and how they have successfully built a robust capacity network featuring over 2,200 trucks, securing approximately 8% of the reefer LTL market share.

     This episode offers a comprehensive view of FreshX's journey, its vision for the future, and the significant impact it aims to make in the freight tech industry.


    Key Highlights:

    • Clay's unique path from finance to the exciting world of Reefer LTL.
    • An insider's look at the Techstars 2023 accelerator program and Clay's thoughts on entrepreneurship.
    • Hilarious (and maybe relatable) early-stage struggles from FreshX's brokerage days.
    • A deep dive into FreshX's platform, its target audience, and its impressive growth, boasting over 2200 trucks and nearly 8% of the reefer LTL market share.

    Tune in to this episode of ThinkFreight Podcast and gain valuable insights into the world of Reefer LTL, entrepreneurship, and how FreshX is changing the game!

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    📍Massive thanks to our sponsors

    ⚫️ Salesdash CRM is built specifically for freight brokers & 3PLs. Organize your sales outreach, notes, follow-ups, and lane profiles for your shippers and carriers. All for an affordable price. Try Salesdash free for 14 days with no credit card required.

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    🌎 Find FreshX and Clay Curran online:

    Clay Curran LinkedIn
    FreshX LinkedIn
    FreshX Website

    =================================================================
    🔗 Our Social Links:

    Newsletter
    LinkedIn
    Twitter/X
    Instagram
    YouTube

    47 min
  • Episode 45: Dealing With The Freight Fraud Problem With Ed Mangino Jr & Matt Patterson, Quikskope

    In this episode of the ThinkFreight Podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Ed Mangino Jr and Matt Patterson, the visionary founders of Quikskope. We explored their fascinating journeys into the freight industry and uncovered the story of how their paths eventually crossed.

    Ed and Matt shared the intriguing origin story of Quikskope, including how they conceived the unique name and the motivations behind their venture. As dedicated freight professionals rather than tech gurus, they identified a significant gap in the industry and chose to approach it from a completely different perspective. 

    While many companies focus on compliance and carrier vetting, Quikskope innovates by integrating an additional layer of security and verification within each load, ensuring enhanced safety and reliability.

    To cap off our conversation, we discussed the role of AI in the future of Quikskope and the logistics industry at large. Ed and Matt shared their insights on how AI will shape the future for brokers and logistics, and what they are most optimistic about for the remainder of 2024.

    Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights into the world of freight and learn how Quikskope is changing industry standards.


    Highlights from our conversation:

    • Founders' Backgrounds: Ed and Matt’s journeys into the freight industry and how they met.
    • Quikskope's Origin: The founding story of Quikskope and the interesting inspiration behind its name.
    • Industry Gap: How Quikskope addresses a major issue in the industry differently than other companies.
    • Freight Fraud Stats: Insights into the "fraud epidemic" costing the industry $800 million annually, with $223 million in cargo stolen in 2022.
    • Future of AI: Predictions on how AI will influence Quikskope and the broader logistics and brokerage industry.

    Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights into the world of freight and learn how Quikskope is revolutionizing industry standards. Don’t miss out on this engaging and informative discussion!

    =================================================================
    📍Massive thanks to our sponsors

    ⚫️ Salesdash CRM is built specifically for freight brokers & 3PLs. Organize your sales outreach, notes, follow-ups, and lane profiles for your shippers and carriers. All for an affordable price. Try Salesdash free for 14 days with no credit card required.

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    🌎 Find Quikskope, Ed Mangino Jr, or Matt Patterson:
     
    Quikskope Website
    Quikskope LinkedIn

    Ed Mangino Jr: LinkedIn
    Matt Patterson: LinkedIn
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    🔗 Our Social Links:

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/thinkfreight
    Twitter: www.twitter.com/thinkfreight
    Instagram: www.instagram.com/thinkfreight.io

    48 min
  • Episode 44: The Future of Warehousing with Henrik Bergsager, Powerhouse AI

    This episode of The ThinkFreight Podcast features a newcomer with an interesting perspective: Henrik Bergsager, CRO of Powerhouse AI. Despite just 10 months in the logistics industry, Henrik brings fresh insights to the future of warehousing.

    Dive deep into a conversation about the evolution of warehousing and the potential of AI:

    • The AI Revolution in Warehousing: Explore how AI is transforming logistics, from streamlining processes to boosting efficiency and accuracy. Henrik shares his insights on how Powerhouse AI leverages this technology to optimize warehouse operations.

    • Your AI Warehouse Partner: Unveil this innovative AI solution designed specifically for warehouse operators. We'll discuss its functionalities, target audience, and the impact it can have on streamlining your warehouse processes.

    • A Bullish Outlook on the Future: Hear Henrik's optimistic predictions for the remainder of 2024 and beyond, exploring the exciting potential of AI in revolutionizing warehousing.

    Join us for an insightful conversation! Discover how Powerhouse AI is "making warehousing as easy as taking pictures" with their AI-powered vision systems, propelling operations towards a new era of efficiency and accuracy.
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    📍Massive thanks to our sponsors

    ⚫️ Digital Permit Book is your one-stop shop for streamlining the permitting process. Organize all your documents in a central location, track deadlines with ease, and collaborate seamlessly with your team.  Stop wasting time on paperwork and focus on what matters.

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    🌎 Find Henrik & Powerhouse AI:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrikbergsager/
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-ai/
    https://www.pwh.ai/
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    🔗 Our Social Links:

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/thinkfreight
    Twitter: www.twitter.com/thinkfreight
    Instagram: www.instagram.com/thinkfreight.io

    37 min
  • Episode 43: The Roadie Vision: From Founding To UPS Acquisition With Marc Gorlin

    This episode of the ThinkFreight podcast features Marc Gorlin, the Founder and CEO of Roadie, now a part of the UPS family. We explore Marc's journey as a serial entrepreneur, driven by his father's motto to "find a deal, not a job." 

    Dive into the inspiration behind Roadie and the specific challenge it aimed to solve in the delivery world.  Marc also shares a riveting story about a defining moment for Roadie - their pivotal partnership with Delta Airlines.  The conversation then explores Roadie's evolution, including its recent acquisition by UPS. 

    We don't stop there!  Looking ahead, Marc offers his insights on the potential of AI and shares what excites him most as Roadie navigates the ever-changing delivery landscape in 2024.

    Don't miss this insightful conversation with a visionary leader, exploring disruption, innovation, and the future of delivery with Roadie!

    Listen in as we explore the Roadie story:

    • The Birth of an Idea: Uncover the inspiration behind Roadie and the problem it aimed to address within the delivery ecosystem.
    • A Defining Moment: Don't miss Marc's riveting story about securing a pivotal partnership with Delta Airlines, a turning point for Roadie's success.
    • From Startup to Industry Leader: Explore Roadie's evolution and its recent acquisition by UPS.

    =================================================================
    📍Massive thanks to our sponsors

    ⚫️ Digital Permit Book is your one-stop shop for streamlining the permitting process. Organize all your documents in a central location, track deadlines with ease, and collaborate seamlessly with your team.  Stop wasting time on paperwork and focus on what matters.

    ⚫️ Texas Trucking Show is rolling into Houston, Texas! Mark your calendars for June 29th and 30th  at NRG Center. This massive event brings together over 300 companies, from trucking giants to cutting-edge tech innovators. There'll be trailers, services, a job fair, and tons more to fuel your trucking success. Plus, admission is completely free! 

    And while you're there, be sure to swing by ThinkFreight at booth 1119. 

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    🌎 Find Marc Gorlin and Roadie online:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcgorlin/
    https://www.roadie.com/
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/roadie-inc/
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    🔗 Our Social Links:

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/thinkfreight
    Twitter: www.twitter.com/thinkfreight
    Instagram: www.instagram.com/thinkfreight.io

    42 min
  • Episode 42: Changing The LTL Customer Experience with Keith Farnsworth

    In this episode of the ThinkFreight Podcast, we explore Keith Farnsworth, VP of Sales at CCFS (CrossCountry Freight Solutions) impressive journey in the freight industry, starting from his hands-on experience on the docks over 17 years ago. Discover how his well-rounded background in asset-based LTL, brokerage, and TMS fueled his return to LTL at CCFS.

    CCFS's meteoric rise is a story of both strategic expansion and unwavering innovation. Over the past three years, they've aggressively expanded their footprint, acquiring four companies within a remarkable 14 months to establish a presence in 18 states. But their growth strategy goes beyond acquisitions. 

    CCFS heavily invests in in-house technology, developing tools to optimize linehaul networks and ensure efficient freight movement across their growing operation. We'll also delve into their cutting-edge Route Planner, powered by AI. This innovative tool allows CCFS to anticipate weather disruptions and other potential roadblocks, proactively ensuring on-time LTL deliveries for their customers.

    Listen in as we discuss:

    • Keith's insightful perspective on the current LTL landscape compared to the FTL sector.
    • His analysis of the key factors driving the growth of CCFS and the broader LTL market.
    • What excites Keith most about the future of LTL in 2024 and beyond.

    Don't miss this inspiring conversation about navigating diverse roles within freight and how CCFS is leveraging technology and strategic acquisitions to become a leader in innovative LTL solutions!
    =================================================================
    📍Massive thanks to our sponsors

    ⚫️ Digital Permit Book is your one-stop shop for streamlining the permitting process. Organize all your documents in a central location, track deadlines with ease, and collaborate seamlessly with your team.  Stop wasting time on paperwork and focus on what matters.

    =================================================================
    🌎 Find Keith Farnsworth & CCFS  online:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-farnsworth-21b23835/
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/crosscountry-courier/
    https://www.ccfs.com/

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    🔗 Our Social Links:

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/thinkfreight
    Twitter: www.twitter.com/thinkfreight
    Instagram: www.instagram.com/thinkfreight.io

    37 min

About ThinkFreight

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to the ThinkFreight Podcast, the podcast for the curious minds of the freight industry. Join host Thomas Werdine, founder of ThinkFreight, as we explore the diverse niches within the…